Syrian forces advanced further into the city of Palmyra on Saturday while battling the Islamic State group. Syrian Armed Forces (SAF) have been fighting the past two weeks to recapture the strategically-important city from the group.
Syrian President Assad declared victory in recapturing the city on Sunday, declaring it an “important achievement.” IS reportedly evacuated remaining members out of the city to other territory that the group holds.
The regime victory in #Palmyra opens the road to Sukhna and more importantly the desert road to the regime enclave in Deir Ez-Zor #Syria
— Michael Horowitz (@michaelh992) March 27, 2016
#Palmyra: Russia defence ministry says it conducted more than 40 sorties targeting 158 "terrorist positions" near Palmyra in last 24 hours
— Maya Gebeily (@GebeilyM) March 26, 2016
Palmyra was captured by IS in May of 2015, and is the location of several UNESCO world heritage sites including thousand-year-old archaeological monuments, temples, and castles.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claims #ISIS is withdrawing toward as-Sukhna (via @Brasco_Aad). Withdrawal will be costly
— Michael Horowitz (@michaelh992) March 26, 2016
SAF is reported to be advancing within the city and have at least partial control over three neighborhoods. Ground forces are backed by artillery and air strikes. Video footage shown on Lebanese television show tanks and vehicles firing at suspected-IS targets.
Here's the updated (& accurate) map of #Palmyra front as for now, confirmed by Live Footage. #Tadmor #ISIS @A7_Mirza pic.twitter.com/w8EiZXfZMu
— Qalaat Al Mudiq (@QalaatAlMudiq) March 26, 2016
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights group said the government army took control of one third of the city, primarily to the west and north, according to Reuters. Retaking the city would mean the Syrian government has easier access to the eastern part of the country which IS still controls, including a significant portion of the Euphrates Valley.
Islamic State's grip on the ancient city of Palmyra is loosening https://t.co/dfwQKxvYSQ pic.twitter.com/5v99hjZTEv
— Sky News (@SkyNews) March 26, 2016
(Image: Wikipedia/Ruins of Palmyra)